Author: allthingslakechelan

by Richard Uhlhorn

Overcrowding at local parks has the City of Chelan, Chelan County PUD and State Parks seeking measures to alleviate issues such as social distancing, masking, garbage, safety and overcrowding.

Overcrowding at Don Morse Park in Chelan has not lessened since the fourth of July.

Mayor Bob Goedde is frustrated. Residents are frustrated. Many would like to see the local parks shut down. “The best option I can come up with is closing Don Morse and Lakeside on the weekends,” said Goedde. “Locals are not using the parks. It is tourists from out of town.”

The other problem is the total lack of responsibility taken by these visitors to Chelan’s park system. “Randy at Public Works reported that they removed 90 cubic yards of compacted garbage from the park this past weekend.”

Goedde is proposing to closed Don Morse and Lakeside Parks beginning on August 1. “My aim is to see if the Council agrees with this,” said Goedde. “I don’t want any surprises on Tuesday night (Regular Council Meeting).”

Goedde also called Ryan Baker (parks director) at Chelan County PUD to warn him of potential park closures. Baker, who had just had a meeting concerning PUD Park issues, thanked Goedde.

During a subsequent call from Baker, he described issues at Beebe Park which has been full all summer since the PUD opened it on June 11. “We are dealing with a lot of challenges,” said Baker. “We are seeing large amounts of people at Beebe Bridge Park and are getting 30 to 40 cars lining up to come in.” Staff has informed him that cars are now lining up on the highway. Baker has consulted with Law Enforcement on this issue.

Vehicles are lining up at Beebe Bridge Park creating an
overcrowded and safety issue

In addition to Beebe Park, Powerhouse Park has been completely full including large dumpsters that have been placed at each location. “Staff has had a hard time keeping up with the garbage. They empty a dumpster and when they come back it is full again.”

The other issue facing the PUD, Chelan and State Parks is the lack of social distancing and the lack of mask wearing. “We are seeing folks not social distancing and not one mask on,” added Baker.

“It’s not just us. Everybody is feeing it,” he said. Old Mill Park and Mill Bay Park in Manson are also feeling the crunch.

Steve Milner, State Parks Commissioner sent the PUD the following Press Release:

State Parks takes action to minimize crowding at two parks in Chelan county 

Visitors should be prepared to go somewhere else if park is full 

 OLYMPIA – July 24, 2020 – Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced it will begin limiting the number of visitors at two state parks in Chelan county.

To avoid overcrowding, Lake Chelan and Lake Wenatchee state parks staff will close day-use areas to additional visitors when parking lots become full. This measure starts today. 

Signs will be posted at park entrances when they reach capacity. Park staff will also monitor entrances to educate visitors who attempt to access the park on foot. 

“We want to provide the public with enjoyable outdoor recreation opportunities this summer,” said region manager Ryan Layton. “But we need to do it safely by following state public health guidelines.”  

Both parks have been experiencing high visitation numbers this summer, making it hard for visitors and staff to maintain social distance. This is particularly true for swimming areas. 

State Parks is asking visitors to follow the Guidelines for Responsible Recreation when planning a trip to any state park, especially more popular destinations such as Lake Chelan and Lake Wenatchee. The public should avoid parking on county roads to access the park on foot. 

Visitors should check what’s open before heading out, avoid crowds and be prepared to go somewhere else if the park is at capacity.

State parks reopened day-use areas in early May after a five-week closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Camping began reopening June 1. To date, not all state parks have reopened. 

by Richard Uhlhorn

Schools will not be allowed to open if the
COVID surge is not flattened

Dr. Malcolm Butler, Chelan-Douglas Health District’s (CDHD) health officer, reported to the CDHD Board of Directors that COVID-19 cases have surged. “School re-opening is unlikely unless collective behavioral changes take place,” he reported. “You can see in both counties increases and then those counts started dropping off. When re-opening on June 10 began, the cases shot up dramatically.”

He reported that once the economy reopened, mobility increased amongst residents and others. He also reported that testing increased in late June-early July, but even with the testing increase, it alone has not been the reason for more positives.

The demographics show that those within the 20 to 49 age working group are sharing the burden of the disease. The demographic of younger children up to four and five year olds is also affected by Coronavirus. “It is very clearly affecting children,” said Dr. Butler. “Our Hispanic members make up 70 to 80 percent of those affected,” he added.

He said the latest fatality was a 69 year old female who contracted the virus at work despite the safeguards, went to the ER on July1, tested positive and sent home to quarantine. Six days later she was admitted to the ICU and intubated. She passed away on July 15.

Testing times for the virus has doubled in the last two weeks to four or five days to get results back. “Some of these larger labs use reagents for those big (testing) machines and are having a hard time getting them,” said Butler. So the testing has been shifted to smaller laboratories.

He would like to see 100 percent of workers in all sectors masked and at least 80 percent of consumers masked. “I’m very impressed with our local efforts and I expect to see an impact of masking by August.

Dr. Weisman, State DOH, has stated that if the current trend continues, schools will not be able to open in the Fall. “All of whom are working diligently at reopening plans will have to prioritize. We need to make educators essential workers and we are not going to be able to reopen schools without PPE. Schools can be an accelerate and do attract and spread COVID,” said Butler. He stated that when the disease burden is high, students become spreaders and take it home to their families.

His analogy was that the virus is like a wildfire. When wind hits a wildfire, it spreads quickly.

Dr. Butler reported that overall mobility (travel) is a problem and the area needs to enforce travel restrictions. “Essential travel and very limited non-essential travel needs to happen. It is not OK to drive to Montana and it is not OK for the entirety of Seattle (area) to come over to Chelan and Leavenworth,” said Butler. “I do have concerns of people visiting Chelan and Leavenworth and I cannot explain why State Parks aren’t limiting people.”

CDHD’s interim director, Bruce Buckles, said that the current situation is extremely challenging. “We are challenged by anxiety. Nothing has affected our life since the 1918 Flu epidemic,” Buckle said.

Buckles said closing down businesses has a tremendous social affect on our economy and is of great concern. “The answers are not simple. We need to be very cautious about our behavior.” Buckles stated that society can’t drop its guard. “Our efforts have to be a society as a unifying group.” He said grocery stores and the agricultural community has done an extraordinary job preparing their workers to be careful and considerate. “Without a high level of consciousness our numbers are going to continue to ramp up.”

“I think we are going to have to engage in a messaging campaign. When you drive by parks and beaches, many are not wearing masks,” said Butler. Social distancing is also important to ramping the virus down.

by Richard Uhlhorn

At Chelan Fire & Rescue’s commission meeting on Wednesday, July 15, Chief Mark Donnell told the commissioners that it was obvious that they wouldn’t be getting together as a group in July for a long range planning discussion. “Maybe in August,” said Donnell. “I’ll put it together and shoot it out to you since we don’t know when we are going to be able to go to an in-house meeting.”

Chairman Phil Moller said the District needs a plan to get the long range plan accomplished. “We are just going to have another public meeting.”

Chairman Phil Moller wants a public meeting on the District’s long range planning process. 

Donnell also reported that he is hopeful to wrap up a City of Chelan Fire Protection Plan with the City by the week of July 20-24. “We have been in discussions with Mayor Goedde and administrator Wade Ferris.”

Dan Crandall reported that the Firefighters Association has approximately 45,000 in the bank and received $450 in donations over the past month. “We are in pretty good shape.” He also mentioned the Windermere SUP Cup. “I’m not sure it is going to happen this year. I will find out what their plans are,” said Crandall. “If it is going to happen we will get the rescue boat out to help.”

Chelan City Counsel liasion Ray Dobbs mentioned the proposed revamping of the Sanders and Johnson Avenue intersection. He stated that the City does not want to create issues with the Fire District. Apparently the City’s consultant proposed a roundabout at that intersection which was turned down. Another idea being proposed is a four-way stop at Wapato and 97A.

City liasion Ray Dobbs reported on several items that came out of Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting that had relevance to the Fire District.

Dobbs reported that Dr. Witt talked about the viability of wearing masks. “Central Washington Hospital’s Critical Care Unit is full and any new patients are being sent to Seattle or Spokane,” said Dobbs. “We also approved at Council last night the Chelan County Emergency Management Plan. It is the beginning of trying to create a comp. plan.” The 2008 version has never been updated and Dobbs told the Commission that there is a section for Fire Departments in the new plan. He promised to send a copy over to the Department to review.

Commissioner Karyl Oules has been in touch with South Shore residents and wants the District to address their concerns.

During the Commissioner Comments, Commissioner Oules asked what was up with Smoke Alarms at the Grand View. Chief Donnell replied that Chelan Resort Suites is the District’s biggest problem. He said that the City of Bellevue charges $150 per call out after the first one for a false alarm. “If you show that you have fixed the problem, they rebate that fine back to you.” These alarms are so sensitive, said Donnell, that cooking or toasting toast can set them off.

Commissioner Oules, who had reached out to residents on the South Shore about what they would like to see happen in the District, asked if there was anyone who would be willing to meet with them regarding their concerns. “There are 76 people in that area, said Oules. “They are concerned they are being ignored. How can we communicate,” she asked?

Chief Donnell replied that if they have specific concerns that Chief Asher or himself would be more than happy to meet with them. “Give them my name and number. Wait for them to get back to you,” said Donnell. “If they are serious about this, they can contact you.”

Chairman Phil Moller added that the District’s first commissioner heard about or from the First Creek residents. “What we’ve done in the past has not worked. Put a meeting together with the County Fire Marshall to see what we can do and what we can’t do.”

A question came up about the second alarm that triggered the siren for a small brush fire in Chelan Falls on the Fourth of July weekend that was allegedly started by fireworks. “There were multiple calls from local residents and everything we were getting from dispatch was that it was bad,” said Chief Asher. By the time the Fire Department responded to the incident, the residents had mostly put the fire out. Asher said, “If the siren does go off now, it will be a significant reason.”

Commissioner Russ Jones is concerned about the number of accidents that seem to be coming from one rental company.

Commissioner Jones remarked that the community is having a higher number of accidents on the lake this year. “The rescue boat has responded,” he said. He added that the majority of accidents seem to be coming from one rental company’s operation. “It might be time to visit with Ryan again,” said Jones. Donnell said he would initiate that conversation. “We will see where we are at and where we want to go,” Donnell stated.

Chelan Fire and Rescue has been responding to accident on the lake this summer.

During the Fire Chief’s report, Chief Donnell reported that the District is financially on track. “All line items are right where we want them now.”

He also reported that $76,000 was being set aside for the reserve fund and is hoping they can rebuild that fund back up. “It’s fire season and the middle of July. We will squirrel away the money as it comes in from State Mobilizations,” said Donnell

For the month of June, Donnell reported that there was a 10 percent decrease in fire related calls and a 20 percent decrease in EMS calls. “Overall the Fourth of July weekend call volume was slower than normal.” The District is anticipating a busier than normal fire season.

Chief Asher said the three Districts he represents for volunteers had no new recruits in June.

by Richard Uhlhorn

he Lake Chelan School District board of directors unanimously approved the hiring of Earth and Sky Studios (parent company of Cevado) to develop the District’s new website.

Stefani Morgan, the District’s On-line Coordinator/Website Specialist, worked with a group of staff, students and others to find a new website developer for the District. “Georgia (Mashayekh) and I narrowed it down to five companies,” Morgan said. “We presented all five companies to high school students and staff.”

Morgan told the board that these companies were checked out on computers, I-Pads and cell phones. “I’ve gotten a ton of feedback from students… all bilingual and we narrowed it down to Cevado,” she said.

The other companies came in at $10,000 to $15,000 to develop a site, but would also be charging $5,000 to $8,000 a year. Cevado came in at $25,000 to set up a website, but would only charge $1,400 a year for maintenance. The other companies also all had templates to work from, but Cevado’s proposal would be for an entirely new design.

Boardmember Lynda Foster said she would like to see other school websites Cevado hass designed. Morgan replied that they haven’t worked with a school, but she brought up several websites (Okanogan County) that are similar to what the school needs.

Foster asked if Morgan would be the administrator? Morgan said she would and the only time Cevado would charge extra is if something needed changed in the site’s design. “We can change photos, calendars and other stuff,” said Morgan.

DePaoli asked what the transition time frame was? Morgan stated that the basic new site would be up in 10 days for approval and three weeks to hand it over the District. “Our deadline would be November,” said DePaoli. “We have had a lot of people frustrated including our staff. I’m excited about that.”

Boardmember Ken Brunner said Cevado was a great choice and told the board that Chelan Fresh uses them for all of their website design. Foster added that she appreciates that Cevado is a local business.

The big item for many on the agenda was a Re-Opening Schools update from Superintendent DePaoli. “This early in the game it is hard to tell if we can re-open,” said DePaoli. He told the board that California, Texas and Virginia have decided to continue remotely. “Our transmission rates are up,” said DePaoli. “Hopefully, those will change.”

In order to be prepared for the scheduled School year, DePaoli has prepared three scenarios which include:

• A full re-opening,
• Remote learning, or a
• A Hybrid model with a K-4 and a 5-12 model

The Re-Opening Plan is an ongoing process that DePaoli said would be revised over the summer months. The District is committed to finalizing a plan by August 11 to present to the community.

The priorities for re-opening will depend on the following:

• Health & Wellness – “We will be following the CDC’s guidelines,” said DePaoli. He added that Joyous Van Meter would be coming up with protocols for the District’s re-opening.
• Equity & Inequities – will provide students with additional individual support if needed.
• Instruction – DePaoli stated that the District is dedicated to giving high quality instruction to its students. “We know families who will want to keep their students home and go on-line. We are going to do a survey to find out where people are at,” said DePaoli.
• Training for Staff to be prepared for all models
• Communication with all of the District’s Stakeholders.

DePaoli told the board that a lot of work has been accomplished by Rosy Burkhart on the safety operations planning front. “She is beginning to order PPE.”

He also said that re-opening is “probably a dream at this point.” DePaoli said the District would most likely be remote.”We should be well prepared.”

Camisha Hughbanks asked if it was possible to request having groups of five to 10 kids together on off school days if the District opens on a every other day schedule to push each other with homework and studies. Foster liked the idea of collaboration.

DePaoli shared a Re-opening Plan Overview including:

• Physical Wellness
• Social Emotional Wellness
• Food Services
• Facilities
• Transportation
• Technology

“We are waiting for some guidelines from OSPI so we can hit the ground running,” said DePaoli.

Residents and visitors have been taking advantage of the free parking option at Chelan High School and it has gotten so big that some residents are beginning to wonder why the District isn’t charging for the space.

Another issue that has come up is the boat trailer parking at the High School. “I went over and counted 108 boat trailers. They were everywhere,” said DePaoli. “There are a couple of concerns.” Some resident are wondering why the District is not charging for parking. The other concern is getting the trailers out of there when school is reopening. “We have no way of getting in touch with people. This is the year to have that conversation,” DePaoli said.

It could become a great fund raiser for the District and DePaoli said that the District would have to consult with legal counsel about liabilities of charging. He also brought up the fact that it is not inexpensive to repave those parking lots.

Laura Clinton said she has local hotels telling people they can park their trailers there. “Maybe they should be making a donation to the School District. Many of those people aren’t paying property taxes here.”

DePaoli said that at $10 a day it would generate $1,000+ a day. “Over 60 days that is a lot of money,” stated DePaoli.

Chairman Jeff Fehr said he thought it was OK initially but that it now seemed to become a dumping ground. Foster stated that it is a public space. “We need to move wisely. I think of how many times we have needed that space for fire camps and so forth.” DePaoli added that the District does need a method to evacuate the lots.

DePaoli asked if any of the board members could meet with him, the Mayor and City Administrator regarding traffic that is now backing up around town. Foster said she could attend.

The other issue is the use of District property for AAU programs that have traditionally had free use of outdoor and indoor facilities.

Financially the District is laying out $70,923.49 to Dell Computers for staff and another $73,149.20 to Wenatchee Valley College for Running Start Students from last year.

The School Board meets every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Currently the meetings are remote and community members are able to attend via telephone or computer. If interested, call Georgia Mashayekh at 509-682-3515 or email her at mashayekhg@chelanschools.org.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Three highly diverse individuals are in an election battle for the District 3 Chelan County Commission seat currently held by the retiring Doug England. All three of the candidates joined a Community Forum at Riverwalk Park on Wednesday evening, July 8, to introduce themselves and answer a series of questions prepared by the Manson Chamber of Commerce who hosted the forum.

An estimated 50 interested residents joined the forum but socially distanced themselves on the hillside in front of the Riverwalk Pavilion.

Following is a short biography of each candidate and where they stand on several issues facing the County now and in the future.

Dale England

Dale England is the current incumbent’s brother and is a fourth generation native of the Lake Chelan Valley. Dale has worked within the local agricultural business all of his life and has worked all aspects of the family’s orchard.

England also had a 25 plus year career as a Chelan County Sheriff’s Deputy. Over that period he served honorably with both the Chelan County Sheriff’s Department and the Chelan/Douglas County Drug Task Force.

He has launched two businesses; Custom Orchard Fumigation Services and the popular Lake Chelan Helicopter Service serving agriculture and tourism industries. England has also volunteered for over 35 years and earned the Kiwanis Citizen of the Year and Kiwanian of the Year awards for his involvement.

Tiffany Gering

Tiffany Gering is also a North Central Washington native from Brewster. She currently serves as the Sales Manager and Chief Operating Officer for the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her Chamber employment, Gering worked as a sales person at KOZI Radio Station.

Gering is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University and holds a degree in Business Administration.

Gering moved to Los Angeles after graduating from college and worked in the movie industry for several years before returning to NCW and working as KOZI’s Sales Manager for seven years and the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce for the last five years.

She is the mother of two girls, both of whom were prenatal babies. The family spent a number of months in Spokane at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and now have two healthy girls who she says give her a run for her money every day.

Gering is a Rotarian and has been on a mission trip to Mexico, a chaperoning trip for High School students on a South Korean trip for Rotary International and a Me to We and Lake Chelan Rotary trip to Kenya.

Brandt Cappell

Brandt Cappell is a Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Keith Goehner and worked for ex-Representative Cary Condotta for nine years. Cappell graduated from Wenatchee High School and has a Batchelor Degree from Washington State University in Natural Resource Police and Political Science.

Prior to his legislative career, he worked on a local cherry orchard for a number of years. He is interested in local control over state control because he feels the state government doesn’t understand the issues on the ground in North Central Washington.

Cappell belongs to the Wenatchee Confluence Rotary and the Washington Coastal Conservation Association. He lives in Wenatchee with his family.

Forum Questions:

 Each candidate was asked how they would enforce Short Term Rental (STR) issues and lower the percentage of STRs from the current 12 percent in Manson and Leavenworth to the desired five percent?

Dale England replied that he does believe STRs are a problem and feels they should not be allowed in residential neighborhoods. “They should be registered and have to pay a fee which would go for enforcement,” said England. “It is important that neighborhoods have the peace and quiet they deserve.”

Tiffany Gering said that she has been attending all of the Chelan County Planning meetings on STRs and does feel that there needs to be a cap on the number of units available. “I don’t know if five percent is the number we shoot for,” she said. She also stated that the Sheriff’s Department would be taking over enforcement and that Sheriff Brian Burnett is down six to eight deputies.

Gering stated that there was a $36 noise fine, but that isn’t enough. “It needs to be around $500 for both the owner and renters,” Gering said. “It is a nightmare for many people.”

Brandt Cappell said he would propose a moratorium so the STR problem doesn’t get any worse. “It is a serious problem and we need lesser density,” said Cappell who also stated that other cities have a good track record for compliance and enforcement on these issues. “There are folks that should be compliant but aren’t. We have the regulations that aren’t being enforced.” Cappell also said the property rights falls into the equation.

The next question concerned the Right to Farm issue.

Cappell said, “Agriculture is the backbone of this county. People moving here may have a different perspective.” He added that new residents need to understand the Right to Farm issues which includes spray drift and other farming issues that bother people who haven’t lived in an agricultural area.

Cappell also said that the County needs to make sure that there is adequate housing for agricultural workers. “We need to have regulations that support the Right to Farm,” said Cappell.

England said that growing up on a farm and managing a farm, he has been dealing with regulations that are driven by the Federal and State Government. “Chelan County needs to be in a position to help farmers,” said England. He mentioned the H2A program that farmers can use, but smaller farms have difficulty using it because of the regulations. “The Commissioners can encourage more cooperation from the State and Feds.”

Gering stated that there were so many State regulations that Farm Worker Housing is an issue with small farmers. “I think the Commission needs to work on more incentives for farmers,” said Gering.

Small Businesses are having a hard time because of the pandemic. The candidates were asked what they would do.

Gering said that the County needs more money and that the pandemic is not a one size fits all issue. “We have one restaurant in Chelan that won’t open until we hit Phase 3 because it just isn’t economical to open at 25 percent capacity,” she said. Gering said the County was allocated with $920,000 and is interested in seeing what they do with those funds.

Cappell said he is very upset with what is going on. “It is important for Chelan County to advocate for local control.” He commented on the fact that the State turned down the County’s request to move to a 1.5 phase in 12 hours after the initial proposal was sent in.

“We saw the big box stored open while small businesses remained closed. It was not an equality issue. We need to do what we need to do for our community,” said Cappell.

England remarked that the County has never encountered a situation like the pandemic. “We cannot afford to have someone not in our area making decisions for us,” said England. He also said the opening up of the County needs to not just benefit businesses but the community as a whole.

Affordable Housing:

England said affordable housing is tied in with STRs and that young adults who would like to return to the Valley can’t find affordable property and/or housing which he feels needs to change.

Cappell added that affordable housing was an issue, but that 85% of the land in Chelan County is owned by the government. He also stated that 180 days to get a permit to build a deck was ridiculous and most people just end up building without a permit. “I would like to see the GMA (Growth Management Act) brought back to the County level,” said Cappell.

Gering said she feels affordable housing needs to happen at the ground level and that the County needs to change some of the codes for more density.

In their final closing comments Gering said she is passionate about helping with issues regarding mental health and health care in the County. Cappell remarked his interest is in transportation and serving on the Board of Health while England is interested in law enforcement issues, mental health and transportation.

Asked if they would quit their regular jobs all three said that while the County Commissioner position is supposed to be a part time job they all recognize it as a full time job. “The office requires a (serious) commitment,” said England. The only job England would retain would be the family orchard. The helicopter and other business interests would go. “My commitment would be the community.”

Cappell said the job is a full time job. “I have no issues of working hard or working late,” said Cappell. “Chelan County’s District 3 is a big District that stretches from 5th Avenue in Wenatchee to Wells Dam.”

Gering said she was ready to hit the ground running and would also step down from her current jobs.

All three said they would be committed to serving the community and would always be available to their constiuents.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan and Douglas Counties were down below 25 per 100,000 positive cases last week, but a recent spike has brought that case count up to 125 per 100,000 as of Friday, June 3.

At Thursday’s ZOOM meeting, Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District reported that positive cases were up not only in Chelan and Douglas Counties, but also in Grant and Benton Counties.

These spikes in positive cases will keep Chelan County from moving to Phase 2 and could push the county back to Phase 1. Van Meter stated that re-opening is a part of the increase in cases. Ray Dobbs, Chelan City Council asked if most of the cases were Ag. related? Van Meter replied that the Health District has been working with the Agriculture companies. “We continue to work with them,” she said. “We are also reaching out to farmers. We are talking to them and answering questions.”

Jim Colbert, Chelan Fruit, reported that they haven’t had a positive case since May and stated the company is satisfied with the higher level of acceptance by the work force. “Our grower members are battling the virus in their own housing,” said Colbert.

Van Meter reported that the Health District will begin waste water testing that will hopefully help identify positive case increases before actual individual testing will. They also began mask surveys in both East Wenatchee and Wenatchee and found that only 36 percent of the customer base was wearing a mask on June 23/24, but that jumped to 75 percent this week.

She also reported that hospitalization was also trending up with three new cases in Central Washington Hospital.

Chelan District Ranger Kari Grover-Weir

Kari Grover-Weir reported that the Chelan/Entiat Ranger District had no positive cases. She is concerned with some firefighters being sent to Arizona, but also said that some were being sent to Alaska, and those were individuals are tested when they arrive.

Weir expects to see a high level of recreation on Forest Service lands over the Fourth of July weekend. “We will have fire crews on duty throughout the weekend,” said Weir.

Manson Chamber Director Debbie Conwell said the Chamber has set up free mask distribution for community members who wish to watch the fireworks show from the parks, but are encouraging people to socially distance themselves and to wear masks.

Richard Magnussen (left) stood in for Kent Sisson during Thursday’s Leadership Response Team Meeting.

Rich Magnussen, Chelan County Emergency Management (EOC), filled in for Kent Sisson who had the day off. “We continue to order PPE and it continues to roll in,” said Magnussen. He lauded the Port of Chelan County for allowing the EOC to move into one of their empty warehouses because they were full at their warehouse.

Councilman Ray Dobbs

Ray Dobbs asked if N95 masks would be available for the public. Magnussen replied that they are very hard to come by and those they receive are being used by the medical community.

Sgt. Chris Foreman didn’t join Thursday’s meeting, so Fire Chief Mark Donnell asked Magnussen if there were any plans to have additional deputies in the Lake Chelan Valley over the three day weekend. Magnussen replied he hadn’t heard of any plans for additional deputies. “I’m not aware of any additional staffing.”

Chelan City Administrator Wade Ferris

City Administrator Wade Ferris and Councilman Ray Dobbs reported that the Lakeshore RV Park was filling up with visitors. “There is no tent camping,” Ferris said. The reason for this is that the RV Park’s bathroom facilities are not open.

Ferris also reported that the City has received only one application (Stormy Mountain Brewing) to develop raised outdoor seating on two parking spaces in front of the restaurant. Dobbs replied that he was disappointed that there were no other applications.

Dobbs also lauded the City for placing barricades in Lakeside to help curtail visitor parking in residential neighborhoods. “Parking has been a major issue in Lakeside for years,” said Dobbs.

Chelan Fire Chief Mark Donnell

Chelan Fire Chief Mark Donnell reported that all of the District’s personnel are healthy and that the District’s PPE levels are adequate.

The next update from the Leadership Response Team will take place on July 16 at 1 p.m. The public is invited to listen in by dialing 351-888-7591.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Prior to the regular agenda of Tuesday’s, June 23 Council meeting, a letter was read into the record under the Public Comment period. The letter was from Garth Donald, Stormy Mountain Brewing.

Donald’s letter applauded the Council for creative options for sustaining and expanding business in the downtown corridor. He wrote, “We are all painfully aware that the COVID 19 closures have an incredible impact on small business.” He lauded the decision to establish outdoor seating which will allow him and other businesses to expand their capacity of the downtown area.

“My one request is that we stay mindful of the timeline we are working with,” he wrote. “We are currently less than two weeks away form the 4th of July weekend.” He remarked that local restaurants have a very narrow window in which to operate this year. He asked the City to help move the process forward quickly. “We can’t submit a Washington Liquor Control Board  application for outside service unless we have, at the bare minmum, a letter from the City stating that we have permission to use the space.”

REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:

Most of Chelan City Council’s meeting on Tuesday evening, June 23, approved a number of Motion Considerations including:

Ratification of Mayor Goedde’s Emergency Executive Order No. 20-02 and 20-03. City Attorney Quentin Batjar told the Council that 20-02 expired one week ago and that the new proclamation indicating that the circumstances surrounding 20-02 is still around and some emergency powers are still required.

Councilman Ray Dobbs asked if the proclamation needs the council’s authority. Batjar replied that it should come before the council to inform them of what is going on, but that the Mayor has the authority to declare an emergency.

Councilman Ray Dobbs

Dobbs then asked what would happen if someone on the Council was opposed to the Emergency order. Batjar replied that the question was interesting. “The appropriate way to resolve that would be a discussion between those who oppose the order with the Mayor,” said Batjar.

Dobbs stated he wasn’t complaining. “I’m pleased with what you are doing,” Dobbs told Mayor Goedde.

Because the County has entered a modified Phase 1 the 20-03 Emergency Executive Order amended certain City codes so that restaurants and retail businesses could obtain a Special Event Permit and Sidewalk Business License to utilize up to two (2) parking stalls in front of the business with an elevated platform to serve food and/or sell retail goods.

City Attorney Quentin Batjar

Batjar told the Council that there would be a preference for restaurants over retail businesses. The permits would also include one parking stall for pick-up orders. City staff has been ordered to expedite these permits with a simplified application and required insurance that covers the City and business.

For restaurant/bars to serve alcohol outside, they would need to obtain Liquor Control Board approval.

This Emergency Executive Order will remain in place for 90 days.

Dobbs attended a Port of Chelan County board meeting earlier in the day and announced that the Port has $920,000 to give out in the amount of $5,000 or less depending on the applicant’s needs.

The Chelan County Cares Act grants are for businesses with 20 or less employees that have been in business for at least six months, have a UBI#. If you are interested, go to http://www.cdrpa.org, click on the Economic Development & Real Estate header and scroll down to the COVID-19 Small Business Response icon.

City Administrator Wade Ferris reported that with the help of Council members Tim Hollingsworth, John Olson and Ty Witt along with the City’s legal team developed a policy and application for release of the City of Chelan Affordable Housing Fund.

The City will take applications 45 days after the Council approves the policy and then the staff will evaluate the applications to make sure they qualify. Then funds would be released for the construction season.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “The application will hopefully provide enough information to evaluate and track and gives council some assurance of where it is being spent.”

Council members Tim Hollingsworth and Peter Jamtgaard

Councilman Peter Jamtgaard said there were other ways of creating affordable housing. He brought up streamlining ADUs. Planning Director Craig Gildroy said the City already has a modified ADU policy. Jamtgaard wants to look at waiving hookups etc.

Councilman Ray Dobbs asked if Habitat for Humanity has access to the funding. Ferris replied that they did have access and are working with the Housing Authority and trying to coordinate their request for funding. The Council passed the Affordable Housing Fund Policy and Application unanimously.

The Council also approved the Social Media & Facebook Comment Policy. Jenna Rahm has been helping the City with the Facebook page and has been able to give the City the ability to delete anything that is posted that is inappropriate. Rahm said there is a pretty strong language filter added to the comment section of the Facebook page.

Attorney Batjar remarked that the council should be very careful about what they post so that a quorum is reached.

Mayor/Council comments:

John Olson said he hasn’t seen social unrest like this since the 60s. He also mentioned the great garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean and the environmental hazard that has created.

Wade Ferris said that the RV Park at 50 percent capacity would be full this weekend. “We’ve lost a lot of reservations because the Canadians can’t cross the border.”

Craig Gildroy said the City is having a record year in single family housing starts. “We are looking at ways to reduce the review times for smaller permits,” said Gildroy. “We are looking for better methods.”

Ferris said he had talked with Sgt. Chris Foreman and was told that the Sheriff’s Department would be putting on extra deputies on land and water for the July Fourth weekend.

by Richard Uhlhorn

The rumor that Chelan County would be able to skip Phase 2 and move right into Phase 3 was squashed by Chelan-Douglas County Health’s Joyous Van Meter at this Thursday’s Leadership Response Team meeting.

Mayor Bob Goedde brought up the question, saying he had some people that are holding off from opening their businesses say the County was going to skip to Phase 3. Sgt. Kent Sisson, EOC, said that information was extremely hard to believe. He tossed the ball to Van Meter who replied, “It is pretty adamant we couldn’t skip over phases.”

Sisson said that the EOC is distributing a portion of the 50,000 masks they received. “We’ve already put 10,000 out the door.” These masks are for employees of agencies and businesses and Sisson said they were appreciated. The EOC also has 61,000 allocated from the State for poverty level people. “We are figuring out where these masks are going to go. They are only for targeted populations.” These masks will probably be disbursed through organizations like Thrive for Chelan, etc.

Chief Mark Donnell said that the chambers and businesses are thankful for the masks because it has been hard to get them in the private sector.

Joyous Van Meter, CDHD, reported 472 cases in both Douglas and Chelan counties with three new on Wednesday, June 17. “We went below 25 per 100,000 yesterday,” she said. As of Saturday, Chelan County was at 24.6 per 100,000. Only one COVID patient is currently hospitalized.

Paul Willard, Chelan Ranger District, asked if the county has the capability of testing the District’s firefighters before they are sent out to wildfires. Van Meter replied that she thinks the Health District has the capability to do the testing. “Send me an email with the numbers involved and your timeframe.”

EMS Director Ray Eickmeyer said the Hospital is doing well. “We continue to test out and in-patients, plus anyone having surgery. As of June one we have no positives.” He also said the Hospital has no COVID patients.

Willard reported that the Forest Service campgrounds opened on Friday, June 12. However, he added that cabin rentals and group sites remain closed.

Jim Colbert, Chelan Fruit, reported that the cooperative hasn’t seen a positive case since May in their workforce. “We are (finally) seeing the greatest acceptance of distancing,” he said. “Those were issues we were challenged with earlier in the year.”

Mayor Goedde reported that masks are the best way to stop the spread of the virus. He mentioned Dr. Butler’s bullet points on the subject and is hoping to get those points out to the public.

With many of the restaurants opening up with restricted indoor capacity, Goedde added that some owners he has talked with are not willing to open up with only 25% of capacity allowed because it is very limiting. The city and restaurants are looking at outdoor seating also. Goedde’s only other concern is servicing the people who visit the valley for food and beverage.

With the numbers of cases over a 14 day period finally dipping below 25 per 100,000, the move to Phase 2 should happen quickly.

The Leadership Response Team for Chelan and Douglas County report changes every Thursday, at 1 p.m. The public is allowed to dial in, but not allowed to speak. 351-888-7591.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Fire & Rescue is considering charging home owners, resort owners and other properties for multiple false fire alarms that are responded to. Fire Chief Mark Donnell explained that most municipalities have False Alarm Ordinances. “The first response is free,” said Donnell. The charge would be assessed for the second false alarm. “We get called to Chelan Resort Suites one to two times a month. Their alarms are really sensitive”

The fine proposal would be for $100 which would be used to fix the problem. “False alarms tie up our resources,” said Donnell. The ordinance, if approved, would have to be adopted by the City of Chelan.

The District and EMS are down to 50 calls which according to Donnell is true nationally. “The biggest decrease is in EMS calls. It is slower than normal,” said Donnell. “We will see a larger impact on July 4.”

The Fire District is working with the City of Chelan on a mutual fire services plan. Councilman Ray Dobbs is the liaison between the Fire Department and the City. Donnell also said they have had meetings with Hospital CEO George Rohrich regarding combining the fire service with the EMS.

Fire Chief Mark Donnell

Donnell also reported to the commission that there are 637 tax exempt parcels within the Fire District. This includes state, federal and local government owned properties along with religious organizations and undeveloped land. According to Donnell the district is losing an estimated $147,000 a year for protection services to these tax exempt properties.

“We are going to have a conversation with the private entities,” said Donnell. “Schools are the only one exemption. We get paid by student count,” said Donnell. “$147,000 is a significant chunk of change we are missing out on every year.” Donnell stated that all of these properties should have an interlocal agreement in place. If not, and a fire occurs, they will be billed.

Chief Donnell reported that over the years the District has had one of the five engines out of service during the entire fire season. “That is totally unacceptable,” Donnell stated. “We are at a critical juncture with fire apparatus.”

The District is looking at replacing some of the aging equipment. “In the past we have replaced old equipment with old equipment,” said Donnell. “We are not looking to buy new, but looking at purchasing newer equipment.” Donnell is also looking for equipment more suited to the District.

Board Chairman Phil Moller

“We have to see what we can do with the equipment we have,” said chairman Phil Moller. “I don’t see us tightening our belts. Are we moving equipment around to make sure we have protection,” he asked?

Donnell replied that he appreciated what Moller was saying and stated that equipment has been moved around to make sure all areas are protected. “We have just enough equipment,” said Donnell. The solution is to start looking at equipment replacement.

Donnell said the District can find usable equipment at a cost of approximately $135,000. The other option is the Department of Natural Resources surplus equipment in October. Chelan Fire and Rescue has had numerous engine/electronic problems with its Ford F550s and they remain problematic. “We had one cardiac arrest and the guy died when the Ford went into Limp Mode,” said Donnell. The Ford was in the shop for almost a year and Ford mechanics couldn’t find the problem. “I can’t, with good faith, put firefighters in 71 and have it go into Limp Mode,” said Donnell. He wanted board approval to move forward, but Moller said he would like to wait until after the July meeting and Long Range Planning is completed.

By Richard Uhlhorn

Laura Schmidt, Columbia Valley Community Health, said that the Chelan location hasn’t had an in-community COVID positive in two months. “Chelan, Chelan Falls and the Manson communities have not had a positive since April 10,” she said. That includes packing sheds and migrant worker housing.

“We are continuing to open more services (at Chelan CVCH facility) here… particularly more in-person visits,” said Schmidt. She added that the dentist and medical team are calling people on the wait list for in-person visits. “We are up and running as fully as possible.”

The only positives CVCH has seen are people doing close work at packing sheds or at orchard related housing quarters. “We haven’t had a commuity positive that is not related to orchard work.”

Kari Grover-Weir, Chelan District Ranger, told the team that the District is hoping to open campgrounds on Friday afternoon, June 12. “That would mean our local campgrounds and up-lake campgrounds,” said Weir. The Ranger Station will not be open to the public yet.

Weir also remarked that the District has had no positive cases and that both Entiat and Chelan are fully staffed with seasonal firefighters with 20 in each location.

Wildfire continues to be a major concern this year. Sgt. Kent Sisson said that the EOC staff has been working with the City of Leavenworth on wildfire plans including evacuations.

Sisson also said that the EOC has received the 50,000 cloth masks as of Wednesday and is in the process of getting them out. These masks will be given to business owners for use during the reopening phases. “The are for business owners to use for their employees,” said Sisson.

Joyous Van Meter reported that there were 442 cases but zero new cases in the last several days. Only 28 cases were recorded in the last 14 days (36 per 100,000) and Van Meter said that was encouraging.

Superintendent Barry DePaoli reported that Chelan had a great graduation despite the lack of an actual ceremony. “It was a great graduation with a virtual ceremony and a social distancing photo shoot that went very well,” said DePaoli. “I want to thank the community for all their support. We had 2,000 on-line to watch the graduation.”

DePaoli said that the District has its work cut out for the summer. “The main goal is to reopen the schools that protects both the students and staff.” DePaoli is working on a set of different scenarios for reopening.

School will be closed on June 19 which will end the daily lunch program on Woodin, but DePaoli has been working with Thrive and said that organization would provide drive through lunch service on Fridays.

Mayor Goedde asked how the remote schooling went and DePaoli replied that nationwide it was at 30 percent, 40 percent in state and Chelan was between 50 and 60 percent engagement. “Learning is a social interaction that kids need. We’ve definitely lost that. We have many kids that have not been engaged and we have to get better at it,” said DePaoli. “The last three months have not been the best for us.”

Ray Dobbs asked if the pass or incomplete gave students an incentive to not engage” DePaoli replied that he wasn’t sure but that any grade coming out of COVID will have an asterix after it.

Dobbs then asked if the District was considering removing the School Resource Officer? DePaoli replied that the resource officer is shared with the Manson School District. “I have no intention to do that unless we are forced to next year.” DePaoli remarked that Nigel has been involved in counseling and partnering up to make home visits. “We have every intention to keep Nigel on staff.”

Mayor Goedde stated that the City will be reopening its RV park this next week. “We are in the process of opening the park, but it will still be closed to camping. I could not justify keeping it closed any longer,” he said. The restrooms will remain closed.

He also said that the City is evaluating with Erin McCardle where they can put tables for take out orders so people can eat and enjoy the weather. He also remarked that in Canada, they rent out parking spaces, put a raised deck with table on it and serve food. “That’s something we want to consider.”

Goedde also encouraged residents to wear masks. He said he has been a little disappointed in the results of the Mask Contest and encouraged people to join the fun.This coming week’s theme is still professional and college sports. “I know there are a lot of Seahawk masks out there… send photos in.”

Wier asked if there were still locks on the tennis courts and City Administrator Wade Ferris said he would check on that and get them unlocked. Weir replied that closing tennis courts never made much sense to her. Ferris hopes to open up the Volleyball courts also.

Manson Chamber Director Debbie Conwell said the community is still working with the Sheriff and Fire District on the Fourth of July Fireworks show.

Fire Chief Mark Donnell said that Chelan Fire and Rescue has been busy. “I have a strong feeling that this is just the beginning of a long fire season,” he said. Regarding the two recent structural fires, Donnell said both are still under investigation but both appear to be purely accidental starts.

The Leadership Response Team meets on a virtual call every Thursday at 1 p.m. The meeting can be accessed by dialing 351-888-7591.